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Vol. 11, No. 5 – Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2017 – Movie Review

Lady Bird Review: 4 palm trees out of 4
Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

by Manuel Reynoso

Lady Bird is a 2017 American teen-drama film written and directed by Greta Gerwig, and starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Lois Smith.

Sacramento native Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson is a burnt out teen desperately wanting to leave the west coast. Rebellious with a strong personality, Christine desperately tries to find herself. Lady Bird is a coming-of-age story exploring Christine’s relationship with her parents, friends, and herself.

The quality of the writing exhibited in Lady Bird is, as a writer, what I strive for in life. Now I hate to admit it, but when I see the words “Teen Drama” I can get a little skeptical, but don’t let that be a pejorative. Lady Bird is a drama of the highest caliber. Powerful is almost too grandiose of a word to describe the familial intimacy being shown here, and yet subtle downplays how cathartic this film can be. Greta Gerwig directorial debut was nothing less than a triumph and her script shows an intimate understanding of interpersonal relationships. By the time this publishes, Lady Bird may still be showing in downtown Ventura, and I can’t recommend it more.

Greta Gerwig directorial debut has this rawness to it. It’s a little unrefined, perhaps due to her inexperience in directing features, but that rawness only compliments the subject matter of the film. The portrayal of these characters and their relationship are just as raw as the way this story is told. It comes at you fast and every moment of respite you’re given ends as soon as it begins, just like life. I hope to see more of Greta Gerwig’s directing in the future, but not as much as I look forward to seeing more of her writing.

The writing in Lady Bird is where the magic is. Each character is so dense with emotion and personality, and the relationships between them feels authentic. Gerwig’s understanding of human relationships is the sole reason why Lady Bird is as effective as it is. Character’s personalities are so meticulously crafted that their actions feel authentic. Every bit of conflict does not feel forced, but the natural result of strong personalities bumping heads; and these conflicts can get all too real at times. We’ve all lived through the strife that Lady Bird depicts. It’s not sexy or romantic, it’s genuine, and that in itself is where the beauty is.
There’s a talent in depicting the mundane, day to day slog of life as anything more than depressing. The strife one feels when struggling to grow up or struggling to stay afloat, but Gerwig always leaves a silver lining to be found. A sense of hope, despite when things appear almost too difficult to press forward. That is why Lady Bird is a must see. Lady Bird is more than likely the movie of the year for me, and I urge everyone to see it if you can. Rated R 1h34m

Community Memorial Health System congratulates inaugural nursing resident class graduates

Community Memorial Health System’s inaugural Nurse Resident graduating nurses back row Jennifer Wise, Taylor Edsel, Camille Finnerty, Marika Schipper, Kierstyn Polte and Jocelyn Briggs, and front row Annel Lupian, Sara Maffet, Lauren Barnett, Darcy Young, Rachel Alan and Riley Friedl. Photo courtesy of Community Memorial Health System

Community Memorial Health System is proud to congratulate the 12 registered nurses in its inaugural Nurse Resident Class. The graduates completed CMHS’s new Nurse Residency Program, which assists student nurses as they make the transition to healthcare practitioners. Hopefully, this will inspire the next lot of students who want to get into nursing.

Community Memorial Health System created its Nurse Residency Program to help with the assimilation challenges many new nurses face. Such programs are part of a new trend in nursing, with nurse residency programs being formed at hospitals nationwide that transcend the standard orientation programs in duration, focus and complexity.

The CMHS Nurse Residency Program provides a structured experience that supports newly graduated RNs, guides their career development, and helps them begin their nursing careers with confidence. The curriculum incorporates proven methods of adult learning and emphasizes the development of clinical and leadership skills as they transition from student nurse to acute care professional. Nurses in the CMHS Nurse Residency Program work in a direct care role at Community Memorial Hospital. The one-year program begins with 16 weeks of preceptor-led programming and is followed by monthly seminars. It will involve the majority of new graduates at CMHS.

Vol. 11, No. 5 – Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2017 – Mailbox

Ventura Breeze

Visiting our daughter in Ventura I picked up a copy of the Breeze. What caught my attention was the above the fold front page coverage of the pending City council vote on changing from “at large” to “district” voting of your council member. I commend the paper for notifying your readers of the upcoming public hearings. I respectfully disagree with the Editorial statement on page 4 that the state has mandated this pending change. What is driving this effort to create more diversity is an attorney from Malibu who is threatening cities throughout the state. It is not a mandate of the CA Voting Rights Act.

In Mission Viejo, where we live, we had 2 of the 5 council members serving together from 2000 through 2008. They were members of the “protected class,” which only represents 17% of our 95,000 residents. Between them John Paul Ledesma and Gail Reavis campaigned five times and won every time. In fact they were each selected by their non-Latino council peers to serve as mayor and mayor pro tem while they were in office. We do not have a Bario in our city nor do we engage in any form of racism.

Larry Gilbert Mission Viejo

Editor, Ventura Breeze

I’ve been an admirer of yours for having started Ventura’s own Newspaper.

But what you printed in your last editorial about dropping the National Anthem at football games lost me.

The National Anthem is played and our Pledge of Allegiance is recited to remind us Americans how fortunate it is that we live in this great Country of ours. To capitulate to those who wish to promote their personal issues by minimizing our pride in our country is an action that one should not support. We should all be appreciative of being citizens of this great Country and be able to express it by all means possible.

Yours truly,

CDR Ronald Wong USN (ret)

CDR Wong: Thank you very much for this response and for serving our great country. I completely agree with you about why the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance is important to us. I’m just not sure why sporting events are the venue to recite them. I certainly do respect those that don’t agree with this.

Sheldon

Editor:

In regards to the City Council limiting marijuana….

What I don’t get is why, after the voters of the county passed this by 64%, are we not having a discussion about what to do with the millions of dollars in tax revenue the city is throwing away?

Why didn’t Eric N. or Matt L. come to the December 2016 city council meeting with a spending plan?

The city claims to have no money.

The state, and voters, is/are allowing cities and counties to print money by allowing retail business.

Watch what happens in Port Hueneme…..

Tim Hansen

Ventura

In a recent issue we had the following opinion. We decided to follow up with this and found that Sarah was completely correct. Ticket them or remove them.

Breeze:

Something that really bugs me is pedestrians completely ignoring the red “don’t cross” signals that are downtown. Pedestrians ignoring them is the same as cars going through red lights. I assume that they are for safety but are actually very dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Drivers making right turns assuming there is no one in the crosswalk(see photo that I took) very dangerous and lots of yelling (and other things)at each other.

The city should either “remove” them or start writing tickets for breaking the law. Would bring in lots of money and keep people from doing this.

Thanks Sarah Blum Ventura

Border Patrol agents recently uncovered a tunnel in San Diego that they said was used to smuggle illegal immigrants across the border. Cartels have long used tunnels as pathways for drugs, while migrants generally have been smuggled above ground but tunnels are becoming a more frequent way of entering the USofA.

The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.
~ Albert Einstein

Color Run event held in Ventura

The Color Run, the world’s first Color 5K™ and Color Dash event was recently held in Ventura. Founded in 2011, their mission is to bring people together and make the world a happier, healthier place by creating an experience that’s more about the memories you make than your mile per minute.

Vol. 11, No. 5 – Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2017 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

11-22	4:25pm, received a report of a water rescue near the Ventura Pier from State Parks. Officers responded and were advised in route that the victim, a kite surfer had made his way to shore.
11-23	12:20pm, received a report of a hazard to navigation near the Launch Ramp. Officers responded and discovered a large “boat dipper” obstructing traffic near the launch ramp. Officers secured the object to the L/R and found the owner who is responsible for its proper disposal. It was later removed.
11-24	6:06am, while searching for but not locating a disabled boat in the mid harbor, officers discovered a hazard to navigation, a large log and removed it. 9:48am, received a report of a disabled PWC near the #2 entrance buoy. Officers responded, safely towed the vessel back to the launch ramp. 10:40am, U.S. coast guard in the office, investigating a fuel spill. 1:00pm, received a report of a Grey Whale at the Harbor entrance. Officers responded and attempted to locate the mammal. It was later reported to have been sighted heading out of the Harbor and towards the shipping lanes. 6:17pm, received a report of a fuel spill near VIM D-dock. Officers responded and found a light sheen. They were unable to locate the source.
11-25	7:05am, while on patrol, officers observed the smell of diesel near VHV H&I docks. After an investigation they were unable to locate the source. 10:25am, received a dispatch to a fire alarm at Holiday Inn express. Officers responded, but it turned out to be a false alarm. 1:45pm, officers observing heavy fog, reporting observations to NWS.
11-26	8:30am, received a dispatch to a commercial fire alarm at 4points Sheraton. Officers responded and discovered the call was a false alarm that was set off by burning toast in a toaster oven. No damage or injuries were sustained. 11:35am, received a request for a tow from the operator of a disabled vessel. Officers responded, towed then released the vessel to the launch ramp. 11:46pm, received a dispatch to an overdose at 1583 Spinnaker Drive. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with a 50 year old male. He was treated and transported to local hospital for further evaluation.
11-27	8:45am, received a report of a dock breaking loose in the keys. Officers responded and were able to move an electric boat and to secure the dock to prevent any property damage. The owner was notified and was working on getting a contractor to repair the dock and gangway. 5:00pm, while on patrol officers observed a vehicle blocking the entrance to Marina Mobile Community. The SUV was broke-down, officers assisted the owner by pushing the vehicle out of the entrance. 10:39pm, received a report of a female screaming on a boat in VWM and the vessel left the area. Officers responded with VPD and found the vessel in the mid harbor area. It was discovered that the young female was suffering from severe depression while her father was attempting to help her. He left the area as not to disturb his neighbors. The female was transported to local hospital.

FOOD Share, Inc. names Monica White new President and CEO

Starting day one, Monica White has proven to be an extraordinary leader.

FOOD Share, Inc. has announced that the board of directors has appointed Monica White, current interim CEO and former board member as President and CEO.

Following four months as interim CEO, White was selected during an executive search process to lead Ventura County’s regional food bank serving 74,500 people every month and distributing 11,000,000 pounds of food annually.

“Starting day one, Monica White has proven to be an extraordinary leader bringing immediate stability to FOOD Share,” said Joe Schroeder, Board Chair and President of Ventura County Credit Union. “As interim CEO, Monica’s ability to tackle FOOD Share’s challenges head on with immediate revenue results solidified our decision.”

Since her initial hire in June 2017, the FOOD Share board of directors has remained consistent in outlining the goals of the organization. “We needed a budget that realigned our expenses to match our revenue projections,” explained Schroeder. “Monica delivered exactly what we needed without sacrificing any of our core services.”

White comes to FOOD Share after twelve years at the Ventura County Star as a member of the executive team and most recently as the Director of Marketing and Consumer Sales. Her career also includes positions with the Walt Disney Company, ABC Television, and Wham-O! White earned her degree from the University of Southern California, School of Business, Entrepreneur program.

“It’s an honor to be asked to lead FOOD Share,” says White. “I now understand more than ever the important role FOOD Share serves in our community. Without the support of our donors, volunteers and pantry partners, we couldn’t serve 74,500 hungry people every month. I am excited about continuing the work started by FOOD Share’s founders nearly 40 years ago.”

“Monica is the right leader for FOOD Share at this time,” said Schroeder. “Her deep understanding of the mission and strong commitment to the organization has helped make this a seamless transition.”

City Center Board Member Jann Huling

Jann is always serving the community in a big way.

Jann Huling was born and raised in Ventura County. Graduating from Ventura High and UCLA. She is with ServiceMaster by Integrity in Oxnard as the business development manager .

Jann has one grown son Ian and has adopted his childhood best – friend Bobby. Bobby also works for ServiceMaster by Integrity. She has one granddaughter Meadow Lily.

Jann is the Vice-Chair of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce. Serves on the board for The City Center Transitional Living Center and is on the Marketing Committee. She was awarded Volunteer of the year in 2013 from the Ventura Chamber Ambassador. She was also awarded Board Member of the year with Project Understanding 2016. She is the 2017 President of Project Understanding and won Ambassador of the year for Camarillo Chamber 2017. At Project Understanding she also serves on the Executive Committee and Operations.

She developed a program that she calls “I am not hopeless I am homeless” where she personally engages with homeless to hear their story. Put a name to the homeless…instead of that guy at the Victoria Shopping center or that lady at McDonalds. Jann stated “I believe in putting a name to every homeless neighbor I meet.”

Vol. 11, No. 5 – Dec 6 – Dec 19, 2017 – The Pet Page

• Purrs & Paws Holiday Boutique returns to Ojai for the Sixth annual Humane Society fundraiser slated for Dec. 16. Over 30 vendors will offer a vast variety of holiday gifts for people and pets, at the Humane Society of Ventura County’s holiday boutique.

The boutique will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Chaparral Auditorium in Ojai, at 414 E. Ojai Ave. Newly added this year is a Vintage Market, on the lawn next to the auditorium.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the nonprofit HSVC.

With over 5,000 supporters, and marking its 85th year, the HSVC is committed to making this holiday market the best one yet. New and returning vendors will be featured.

Admission to this family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Heather Rowe at [email protected] or 646-6505.

• The Teague Mansion in Santa Paula is the venue for Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center’s (SPARC’s) gala fundraising evening on December 8. The themed event is a 1930s murder mystery, featuring a theatrical production with plenty of intrigue. All proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction will go toward medical costs and daily care of the animals at SPARC.

The evening includes a light buffet supper, beverages and a theatrical murder mystery filled with fun and drama. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/2hF4KdC (Eventbrite link).

Many people are unaware that being a “no kill” shelter adds a high cost to running a shelter, since every animal, no matter how sick or injured, receives appropriate vet care. Every effort is made to give the animals a second chance at life at SPARC.

SPARC’s cost to run a “No Kill, No Excuses” shelter is $1.4 million per year; the city of Santa Paula contributes just over $100,000 of that. SPARC relies on grants and donations from the public.

Medical staffing and veterinary care alone is around $500,000, so it is vital to have the support of people who believe in the no-kill mission by buying their tickets to the 1930s murder mystery event and supporting other SPARC fundraising efforts.

• The FDA says it has received about 68 reports of pet illnesses, and even deaths, related to bone treats. Some of the reports involved more than one dog; a total of about 90 animals have been affected.

About 15 dogs have died of the illnesses, the agency said.

These treats differ from uncooked, butcher-type bones because they are processed and packaged for sale as dog treats. The products may be dried through a smoking process or by baking, and may contain other ingredients such as preservatives, seasonings or smoke flavorings.

Different types of bone treats for dogs, including treats described as “Ham Bones,” “Pork Femur Bones,” “Rib Bones,” and “Smokey Knuckle Bones,” were listed in the illness reports.

“Giving your dog a bone treat might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a possible emergency surgery, or even death for your pet,” stated Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA.

Ocean Friendly Garden in honor of Surfrider OFG National Coordinator Paul Herzog

Spearheaded by the Ventura Botanical Gardens’ Executive Director Dr. Joe Cahill and Paul Herzog’s friend Elizabeth Alvarez, the VBG has pledged this exquisite site as a future Ocean Friendly Garden in honor of Surfrider OFG National Coordinator Paul Herzog.

Friend, peer, brother, son, activist, environmentalist, gone too soon, the impact Paul made in Ventura and to Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Gardens program will not be forgotten. They are dedicated to raising $1600 by the end of December to finish the funding needed to build the garden. Ventura is grateful to the VBG that this Ocean Friendly Garden will be available to the community as a memorial and as a teaching opportunity.

Go to www.gofundme.com to support Paul Herzog’s Ocean Friendly Garden.

Senior Song Circle

Dec. 12 (2nd Tues. of each month), 1:30 – 4 p.m. and Dec. 26 (4th Tues. of each month), 1:30 – 4 p.m at SCAN Health and Wellness Center, 6633 Telephone Rd., Ste., led by Marty Capsuto. Center is for those 55+ and guests, Marty will guest sponsor all Songmakers under 55. Plenty of parking behind building. For more informatiion, contact Marty at 658-0365 or [email protected].

Dec. 22 (4th Friday of each month), 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Like to play acoustic music? Songmakers.org welcomes all lovers of acoustic music—instrumentalists, singers, and singer/songwriters of all levels—to join in a free song circle at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners welcome! Information Mike Wittlin 750-8281.

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